Whom do you follow?

You will become like the one you follow.

You will follow the one you obey.

You will obey the one you listen to.

Our culture has elevated the Hollywood stars to the status of gods. We seem to be preoccupied with these gods to the point of obsession. Our teenagers are looking at them wishing they had the fame and the money they have. It seems that every time a famous Hollywood person sneezes it is documented on t.v. and the internet. Some of our kids are following them on Facebook and Twitter. Why this unhealthy preoccupation? Why would anyone want to become like these people who, for the most part, are depressed, lonely and isolated? Why would anyone want to be in the shoes of someone who is addicted to multiple substances and can’t seem to stay faithful to their spouse?

Fame and money are two of the most powerful forces Satan uses to tempt us. He tempted Jesus with the entire splendor and the glory of the kingdoms of the earth. (Matthew 4:8-10) Based on the compromises and the desire our culture exhibits today for these things, I am afraid that most people would be willing to sell their souls to Satan for a moment of riches and fame.

Thanks be to God that Jesus was able to see beyond the schemes of Satan and resist his temptations. He is the example we ought to follow. But that is not going to happen unless we understand that there is more to life that what can experience right now. Christ has communicated to us clearly that there is a higher purpose for living that here and now. Some believed Him, some didn’t. So, the question still remains, “Whom do you follow?”